Applying in person to change Passport

[Mephys 2]

So I was reading about all my possibilities, and since I am going to Montreal this week-end I told myself, what the heck, I might as well stop by the office and apply in person to have my passport in my married name. I don't really like the feeling of traveling back with my Passport/tickets in one name and my GC and ID's in another one...

But anyhow, I have heard that when you apply in person (just generally speaking) that they cut your other passport because you cannot have 2 passports at the same time.

Well how does it work when you are living in the US and you still need that passport to go back home the same day ? Now I am just freaking out about them cutting my passport and me not being able to come back home tuesday night.

I am hesitating between:

a) Sending all my original documents by courier to apply via mail but losing my stuff

B) Going in person so I can keep my ducoments but taking the risk of someone stupid cutting my passport by mistake

So anyone around that actually did renew their passport in person in Canada during a trip ?

Thanks

[MrsCat 6]

I can't tell you much about traveling back to the United States.

However, when I went in person to renew my passport, the lady asked whether I wanted to keep my old one. I said yes, cause I needed it for immigration purposes to remember dates of travel - and just sentimental reasons. She didn't cut it up, however she punches holes in it that said VOID. You can't travel on that passport. I am not sure of the turnaround time for a new passport, but if you pay for expedited processing you might get your new one back in a few days. Otherwise it takes several weeks. If you don't have much time, I probably wouldn't renew my passport, since you might not be able to fly back home.

Maybe someone else has had a different experience. This was last year in April, 2007. Things might have changed since then.

[Mephys 2]

You weren't living in the US at that time were you ?

Like you said, if there is no other way but for them to punch it with holes...then it's a no go because I am flying back on Tuesday night. Then I would just fill up all my papers while I am there to have my guarantor sign it and take the pictures, and I would send it back via mail when I get home in the US.

[MrsCat 6]

You weren't living in the US at that time were you ?

Like you said, if there is no other way but for them to punch it with holes...then it's a no go because I am flying back on Tuesday night. Then I would just fill up all my papers while I am there to have my guarantor sign it and take the pictures, and I would send it back via mail when I get home in the US.

Nope sorry, I wasn't living in the US, just boring ol' Edmonton.

[Carlawarla 1]

You weren't living in the US at that time were you ?

Like you said, if there is no other way but for them to punch it with holes...then it's a no go because I am flying back on Tuesday night. Then I would just fill up all my papers while I am there to have my guarantor sign it and take the pictures, and I would send it back via mail when I get home in the US.

I can't answer you either Mephys, I've never done this, but would be interested to see if someone does have experience with this. I would think with your short turn-around time however, it might be best to get your paperwork done and mail it from the US. If you do have time, maybe even get all the paperwork filled out, and go into the office with it, and ask before you surrender your old passport. If they can guarantee they can do it on the spot, then fine....otherwise, just mail it in later.

[SapphireDreams 71]

I know you can pay extra to have it back in 1-2 days, but you need to show a reason for needing it back quickly (which I guess in your case you would have)

But, you're right they do cut your passport, so I don't think there is anyway to get around this, unless you were to drive through the border and not fly.

I've tried to change my name on a plane ticket - due to a typo - and they won't do that either

[Krikit 1,164]

Not sure how helpful this will be but I was told by a US CBP Officer that an expired passport was better than no passport at all. So if they clip your current passport, bring along the receipt showing that you have a new one coming. At the very least I would mention all this when you visit the office. They'll be able to provide the most helpful information, I would think. Have a great weekend!

(Can't help wondering, though, just how you're going to time this considering it's a long weekend in Canada and you're coming back on Tuesday. )

[Kathryn41 3,205]

For an additional $70 plus proof of travel (airline tickets already paid, etc.) you can obtain an "URGENT" processing for your passport within 24 hours assuming all of the information and photographs are approved. Here is the link: http://www.ppt.gc.ca/cdn/urgent.aspx?lang=eng

All passport offices are closed, however on holidays. Even if you were able to get everything in on Saturday you wouldn't be able to pick it up until Tuesday. Hmm, the Montreal passport office is also closed on Saturdays so you would have to get the passport to them during business hours today.

Personally, I think your plans are rife with potential problems that will cause you no end of difficulties. I do suggest that you wait until you get back, courier your documents to the Passport Office (that is what I did - cost more but it worked great - I knew the exact minute of its arrival), and if all is fine, you should get your new passport and cancelled old passport returned in two weeks). That is the standard processing time to receive a passport whether you mail it in or come by in person.

Have fun this weekend.

Edited May 16, 2008 by Kathryn41

[Mephys 2]

Yeah I didn't know in the first place about them clipping the passport to void it...

I thought all I needed to apply in person is show up to show my documents and they would send me the new one in the mail without voiding the other one...

So all I am going to do is take care of the form, take my pictures, have my guarantor sign everything that needs to be signed and the copies of my GC and DL, and I will send the application in the mail when I come back home next week.

Now another question, some documents can be send as a copy as long as the guarantor signs them (for GC and DL ) and some need to be original (like birth certificate) , but does anyone know if the Marriage certificate needs to be the original or a copy is ok ??

[MrsCat 6]

Yeah I didn't know in the first place about them clipping the passport to void it...

I thought all I needed to apply in person is show up to show my documents and they would send me the new one in the mail without voiding the other one...

So all I am going to do is take care of the form, take my pictures, have my guarantor sign everything that needs to be signed and the copies of my GC and DL, and I will send the application in the mail when I come back home next week.

Now another question, some documents can be send as a copy as long as the guarantor signs them (for GC and DL ) and some need to be original (like birth certificate) , but does anyone know if the Marriage certificate needs to be the original or a copy is ok ??

I think the only original document you need to produce is your birth certificate. Everything else can be a copy.

http://www.canadian-passport-support.com/faqs.aspx

8. Do I have to present any additional documents?

Yes. All applicants must present original proof of Canadian citizenship (birth certificate or citizenship card), additional documents that prove your identity (this can be either copies or original; for applicants within Canada who present photocopies your guarantor must sign the copies), proof of local residency (for applicants outside of Canada), and your old Canadian passport. If you are a married woman applying under your married name, please provide your marriage certificate.

[Mephys 2]

Yeah I didn't know in the first place about them clipping the passport to void it...

I thought all I needed to apply in person is show up to show my documents and they would send me the new one in the mail without voiding the other one...

So all I am going to do is take care of the form, take my pictures, have my guarantor sign everything that needs to be signed and the copies of my GC and DL, and I will send the application in the mail when I come back home next week.

Now another question, some documents can be send as a copy as long as the guarantor signs them (for GC and DL ) and some need to be original (like birth certificate) , but does anyone know if the Marriage certificate needs to be the original or a copy is ok ??

I think the only original document you need to produce is your birth certificate. Everything else can be a copy.

http://www.canadian-passport-support.com/faqs.aspx

8. Do I have to present any additional documents?

Yes. All applicants must present original proof of Canadian citizenship (birth certificate or citizenship card), additional documents that prove your identity (this can be either copies or original; for applicants within Canada who present photocopies your guarantor must sign the copies), proof of local residency (for applicants outside of Canada), and your old Canadian passport. If you are a married woman applying under your married name, please provide your marriage certificate.

[Krikit 1,164]

Hit the wrong button, Mephys?

[Mephys 2]

Hit the wrong button, Mephys?

lol I thought I had posted something....

oh well Now i dont remember what I wanted to write